Council Closes Pedestrian Bridge

The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday closed a pedestrian bridge over the Los Angeles River in Canoga Park in response to complaints of gang activity.

Councilwoman Joy Picus, who represents the area, lobbied to have the bridge in the 6800 block of Variel Avenue blocked by 8-foot-high chain-link fences, saying local residents have been complaining about gang members gathering there.

She said the bridge is seldom used for any purpose other than a gang hangout and the problem had grown worse in recent months.